Ecsite-uk (affiliated with ECSITE, the European Collaborative of Science, Industry and Technology Exhibitions) recently published a review that summarizes and highlights recent research into the impact of science and technology museums, zoos, aquariums, and science centers, referred to in the report as “Science & Discovery Centres.”Collectively, studies from around the world show that these informal education centers can:
• increase visitors’ knowledge and understanding of science;
• provide memorable learning experiences which can have a lasting impact on attitudes and behavior;
• have wide-ranging personal and social impacts and promote inter-generational learning;
• promote trust and understanding between the public and the scientific community;
• have an economic impact.
Ecsite-uk also has another report that may be of interest to Partners: The Value of Science & Discovery Centres in the UK.
And in case you missed it last year…Why Zoos & Aquariums Matter: Assessing the Impact of a Visit to a Zoo or Aquarium, published in 2007 by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, is another valuable resource for Partners.
